April 14, 2003 I am an Episcopalian. During the Holy week, I did attend the church service every day at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church. After the service, I summarized the events and recorded them in my Journal. My understanding influences the summary. The Holy week: M O N D A Y The Holy Eucharist: Rite 1 was officiated by The Very Rev’d, Rector Monday before Easter is the beginning of the Holy Week. What does it mean to me? Actually, I do not understand the meaning of it because as a layperson I am not educated to make sense of Jesus' suffering for my sins. Why am I not paying through suffering for my sins myself. Instead, the Lord my God granted “Grace” to block out my sins by simply asking for it. Well, the sacrifice is so horrendous that I could not fulfil it. It takes a Son of God to make a perfect sacrifice to God; he is the only one capable to go through with this sacrifice. The message <> A paraphrase version as I see it <> a women breaks an “Alabaster box of precious ointment and poured it on Christ Head” <> was delivered by Bill. His presentation addressed the issue of adoration for Christ. Several among them present felt that the ointment was precious. We could sell and the profit would go to the poor. Christ said, leave her alone, the poor you will always have, but me you will not. The point Bill eloquently stressed was to do well in our life from which abundance will flow. Our dependence on God’s blessing is the very essence of our love for God, neighbor and selves. We will serve our soul best when we invite “God” into the Temple within us. (Mark 14:3-9) The Holy week: T U E S D A Y April 15, 2003 The Holy Eucharist: Rite 1 was officiated by the Rector. Her Assisted was helping the Rector with the service. Their vestments are read today. To my surprise, about 25 people attended the church service. The Rector presides over the service, but a layperson makes a presentation on the Bible reading. Beverly delivered the message. Her presentation centered primarily about the act of “Fear”. Fear is very hard to conquer; it has its own dynamics by which humanity lives. We (humans) of little faith cannot overcome the temptations associated with fear. Subsequently, she read the message which was taken from Mark 11:15-19 <> The essence of the story is about Jesus coming to the Temple in Jerusalem and was annoyed about the merchants selling goods and services in the temple. He began to cast out those that sold and bought in the temple. Jesus said to them, is it not written, my house shall be called of all nations the house of prayer? However, ye have made it a den of thieves. The message <> was delivered by Beverly. Christ attempts to convey men’s need to hear his message that, whatsoever he is preaching he does it in his Fathers name. People reluctantly listened to the message then, because it is uncomfortable to hear. A lie is more to our liking because men identify with this concept more readily. Beverly spoke of getting closer to God’s realities, which make our lives uniting selves, with the Divine desire to help us, in spite of our unbelief. The Holy week: W E D N E S D A Y April 16, 2003 Tenebrae The Meaning “Darkness” or "Shadows” from Latin. The Holy Eucharist: Rite 1 was officiated by the Rector, she was Assisted by the Seminarian The message was taken from Matthew 26:1-5, 14-25 <> He talked about the price for the betrayal of Jesus. The Seminarian assigned to the St Margaret's Church for training. He spoke about Judas Iscariot how he went unto the chief priests and said unto them; what will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? In addition, they negotiated with him and agreed to pay him 30 pieces of silver. He accepted the 30 pieces of silver and at the appointed time betrayed Jesus, they took him away. He made a comparison of price and worth. Jesus' worth cannot be related to a price nor by some means determined what he is worth. He saved humanity from eternal destruction, how can it be evaluated and reduced to a price. At the time of Jesus, ministry 30 pieces of silver ware considered a fair price for a good slave. The service proceeds along these lines: The organization of the service is in “Nocturne”. (Three divisions of the office of matins) and “Lauds” (Any song of praise) “Antiphon” (Religious psalms) First Nocturne Addresses Antiphon (Lessons 1 - 3) Zeal for your house has eaten me up; the scorn of Those who scorn you has fallen upon me. Second Nocturne <> Antiphon (Lessons 4 - 6) The kings of the earth rise up in revolt, and the Princes plot together, against the Lord and against His Anointed. Third Nocturne <> Antiphon ( Lessons 8 - 9) God is my helper; it is the Lord who sustains me. Lauds <> Antiphon 10 thru 14 and the Antiphon “Now the women sitting at the tomb made lamentation, weeping for the Lord“ THE HOLLY COMMUNION The Rector celebrated the Holly communion with the people and all 14 people present received communion. Maundy Thursday Holy week April 17 2003 The Holy Eucharist: Rite 2 was officiated by the Rector, Assistant Rector and our seminarian assisted. Christ assembles his disciples for the Passover meal in a large room of a good man who allowed them to use it. At the meal, Christ told them that he desired to eat the meal with them before he will suffer. Luke 22:14-30 Jesus took the cup and gives thanks, and said. Take this and divide it among yourselves; For I say unto you. I will not drink of this fruit of the wine, until the kingdom of God shall come. And he took bread, and gave thanks, and breaks it, and gave unto them, saying. This is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you. DO THIS FOR THE REMEMBRANCE OF ME. The message delivered by Bill dealt with the Last Supper and the betrayal of Jesus by one of his disciples. Our lives are tailored about Christ influence on the one hand, and the unfortunate betrayals associated with sin that plagues us to be reasonably good in our lives, on the other hand. When the supper had ended, the Devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, to betray him. Jesus knowing he rises from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girdled himself. After that he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet and wipe them of with the towel. The Rector asked the congregation to come up to the altar and have their feet washed. She Washed Bill’s feet and he washed the Rectors. Other people came and washed each others feed in humiliation of Christ example. The Holy Communion followed. Today it was special because on this evening millenniums past, Christ originated the beginning of commemorating him through this act of humility to remember the occurrence. The congregation is sitting still and the stripping of the altar begins. In the process whatever things needed in the service in proximity of the altar is being removed and carried away to a safe place. When they are finished the last thing removed is the eternal light that shines in the church.While the clearance of the altar is done Psalm 22 is read and during the reading the candles are extinguished and the ministers of the liturgy exit; the altar is then stripped and prepared for Good Friday. The Last Supper is a very significant event in Christianity. It provides a forum for people to worship their GOD and is not intimidated in the process. Christ left a legacy with his disciples “by this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." KNOWING THE OUTCOME TO COME Who but Jesus Christ could hold on? Discharging his betrayer in dignity, To collect the 30 peaces of silver, The price of Jesus Christ estate. Similar paradox when on the cross, Jesus asks His Father to forgive them, Why, because they no not what they do, Nevertheless, Son and God are reconciled. Faith is the offspring of grace, God forgives the sinner at hand, However, Jesus paid the supreme sacrifice, To bring back all sinners to God. Good Friday Holy week April 18, 2003 The Good Friday Liturgy Was presented by the Very Rev’d, Rector Assisted by the Rev’d Assistant Rector On this day the ministers enter in silence. Their vestments are black. All kneel for silent prayer, after which the celebrant stands and begins the liturgy. The Passion of Our Lord Jesus Christ according to John 18:1-19:37 The reading from the scripture is about the trail of Jesus Christ. The High Priest and the Sanhedrin brought Jesus before Pilate the Roman Governor and accused him of making himself the Son of God and therefore a king. Pilate after examining Jesus concluded that he could find no fault in him. However, the High priest and the people assembled insisted to crucify Jesus. A custom gave Pilate a partial out. He offered a trade between Jesus and Barabbas. He was a prisoner whom the people wanted freed rather than Jesus. The people asked Pilate to release Barabbas to them and crucify Jesus. Pilate washed his hands and gave them Jesus to be crucified. Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. JESUS OF NAZARETH KING OF THE JEWS. The high priest asked Pilate to write, “He said that he is a king” Pilate answered to them what I have written I have written. The soldiers that had crucified him cast lots for his garments. Jesus' mother was standing near by, and Jesus said to his disciples behold your mother. His bones were not broken and after they offered him vinegar to drink, he gave up his spirit. In addition, all hell broke loose upon the earth and the curtain in the temple was torn in half by the hand of God. The soldiers remarked, truly he was the Son of God. The day was a preparation for the Sabbath. The Jews insisted that the bodies should not remain upon the cross, besought Pilate that their legs be broken, so that they might be taken off the cross and carried away. The soldiers came and break the legs of the first, and on the other that was crucified with him. However, when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they break not his legs; but one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side. Water and blood came forth. These things were done that the scripture should be fulfilled. Easter Even Saturday in Holy week April 19, 2003 The Service of Light The lighting of the Paschal Candle (Passover) On this most Holy night, our Lord Jesus passed over from death to life. Individual members of the parrish maintain a vigil and prayer throughout the night. This is a small token to celebrate his sacraments sharing in Christ victory over death. Prayers of joy are recited to affirm Jesus’ triumph over death. It is this night that Christ broke the bonds of death and hell and rose victorious from the grave. Earth and heaven are reconciled to God. This event is hope given by God to remember his covenant with Abraham. In your seed, my blessing will be upon them henceforth. People extinguished their candles. THE LITURGY OF THE WORD IS PRESENTED The most secret historical events beginning with: <> “Abraham’s sacrifice of Isaac. God tests Abraham’s commitment. Abraham do not kill your son. Take the ram caught in the bushes instead and sacrifice. > Exodus <> Israel's deliverance at the red sea. The Lord opened the sea for Moses and his people passed to the other side. Pharaoh’s legions in pursuit entered the open sea. God commanded Moses to raise his staff and close the waters and Moses did. The legions died. <> God's presence in a Renewed Israel: Isaiah 4:2-6. And God said “he that is left in Zion, and he that remaineth in Jerusalem, shall be called holy, even every one that is written among the living in Jerusalem”. Prosperity for his people will be great and one acre of vineyard will yield one bath (10 gallons. A seed of a homer is 6 1/4 bushels or (58 gallons) that will yield an ephah (bushel). This gave people sufficient food to eat and trade. <> A New Heart and a New Spirit Ezekiel 36:24-28. God takes the Israelites away from the heathen, out of all countries, and brings them into their own land. He has sprinkled clean water upon them cleaning them from their filthiness, and idols. God gives them a new heart and within his heart, he puts his own spirit and causes them to walk in his judgments. You will dwell in the land I have given to your fathers, you will be my people and I will be your God. <> The Gathering of God’s People: Zephaniah 3:12-20 during the liturgical reverence of the word, after each one of them, the Choir and the people sing hymn and Psalms and in silence the Collect. The silence is about 5 minutes each time. There are five liturgies of the word. 5 minutes of silence is a long time. Each person has a definition of the prayers what they want to talk with God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit during the silence. Children are honest and offer God themselves because they cannot hold the length of silence. Their guardian angels guide them in these situations. MOREOVER, WHAT ABOUT US THE PEOPLE, what is our thinking process during the 5 minutes of silence? After two “Our Father” two minutes are used up and then temptation sets in and works on each and every one of us. The tempter is trying to derail the time remaining, with trivial thoughts. To pray ceaselessly is possible if we practice daily, from some, of our time for this purpose. Otherwise, it is hard to kneel and pray that long. This is my own understanding of the praying process. I for one practice the art of Yoga that taught me how to control the mind. This is simple for me. I am saying that it is simple for me but even in this simplicity, there is a message for how you should devote the time to praying or speaking with God. HOLY BAPTISM FOLLOWS THE SERVICE Baptism is the most profound of Sacraments given to us by the Lord our God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. It is the most important covenant because when we are baptized we are God's own. God in turn gave to Christ all his baptized people. They are his responsibility and he is the keeper of them. Jesus will not lose one of them; he will deliver them to God personally. The Holy Baptism begins with the introduction of the Candidates. The congregation welcomes into God’s family with the sacraments of Baptism <> Abbey Peyton Gaudiano <> <> Nicole Kathleen Gaudiano <> <> Lara Christine Gilleland <> <> Anastasia Brianna Mejia <> <> Roberto Alexis Mejia, Jr <> <> Kylie Madison Mejia <> Prayers for the Candidates who are to receive the Sacraments of new birth are recited. THEN The congregation itself takes the Baptismal Covenant THE BAPTISMAL COVENANT Celebrant : Do you believe in God the Father? People: I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth. Celebrant: Do you believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God? People: I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, he was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended to the dead, on the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again to judge the living and the dead. Celebrant: Will you continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers? Will you persevere in resisting evil, and, whenever you fall into sin, repent and return to the Lord? Will you proclaim by word and example the Good News of God in Christ? Will you seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving your neighbor as yourself? Will you strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. People: I will, with God’s help. THANKSGIVING OVER THE WATER Celebrant We thank you, almighty God, for the gift of water. Over it the Holy Spirit moved in the beginning of creation. Through it you led the children of Israel out of their bondage In Egypt into the land of promise. In it your Son Jesus Received the baptism of John and was anointed by the Holy Spirit as the Messiah, the Christ, to lead us, through his death and resurrection, from the bondage of sin into everlasting life. We thank you, Father, for the water of Baptism. In it we are buried with Christ in his death. By it we share in his resurrection. Through it we are reborn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore in joyful obedience to your Son, we bring into his fellowship those who come to him in faith, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. THE BAPTISM The candidate is presented by name to the Celebrant who then pours water upon the candidate, saying I BAPTIZE YOU IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER, AND THE SON, AND THE HOLY SPIRIT. Amen The Priest places a hand on the persons head, making on the forehead the sign of the cross and saying YOU ARE SEALED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT IN BAPTISM AND MARKED AS CHRIST’S OWN FOREVER. Amen LET US PRAY Heavenly Father, we thank you that by water and the Holy Spirit you have bestowed upon these your servants the forgiveness of sin, and have raised them to the new life of grace. Sustain them, O lord, in your Holy Spirit. Give them an inquiring and Discerning heart, the courage to will to persevere, a spirit to know and to love you, and the gift of joy and wonder in all your works. Amen. LET US WELCOME THE NEWLY BAPTIZED Celebrant and People We receive you into the household of God, Confess the faith of Christ crucified, proclaim his resurrection, and share with us in the central priesthood. The Holy Eucharist: Rite 1 was officiated by the Rector, Assisted by the Rev Rick Veit and Jeff W. Fisher, Seminarian Easter Sunday in Holy week April 20, 2003 The Day of Resurrection The church is decorated for this magnificent day of resurrection. The beautiful flowers in the nave and sanctuary are given by members and friends of St. Margaret’s. They are a symbol of the life and resurrection of our Lord and His ever-renewing love for each of us. ALLELUIA CHRIST IS RISEN The Litany for Easter and the Holy Eucharist celebrated by The Very Reverend Sara J. Chandler, D. Min. Rector Assisted by the Rev’d Rick Veit The Holy Gospel According to Mark 16-1-8 “ When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalena, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun Had risen, they went to the tomb. They have been saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the Tomb? When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them. “Do not be alarmed, you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go; tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; There you will see him, just as he told you” So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. “ The Gospel is the account of what had transpired on Easter. “Christ is risen“is the message for to day and we joyfully acknowledge it. It is this event that gives us Hope and belonging to the creator who by his own image created us. During the Holy Week, church participation is nominal. The church is filled with people on “Holy Saturday” because of so many are welcomed into God‘s family with the Sacrament of “Baptism”. Extra services are scheduled for this extraordinary week. People feel the sadness of Crucifixion and their heart is literary burning to signify the events leading to that moment. The influence of Good Friday is unique, people are literally cognizant of the event and cannot wait for “Easter” to take the burden and guilt of the crucifixion away. Christ forgiveness sets in today. This represents the summary of the “Holy Week” as I have attended the services with all the parishioners in the year of my Lord 2003. Thank you for the opportunity. |
| I wrote this Journal during the Holy Week in St. Margaret's Episcopal Church at Woodbridge, Virginia, during the Year of my Lord 2003 |